Social media spurs stolen jumpers’ return

The power of social media has saved the day for the Hedland Rovers Football Club, after a Facebook message spurred the return of more than $5000 worth of footy jumpers in time for the game on Saturday night.

The burglary occurred during the early hours of Monday, May 9, when offenders forced entry into the Rovers Clubrooms on Coney Street in Port Hedland, causing damage to the front door and stealing alcohol from the bar and all the league and reserve jumpers for the weekend game.

Rovers president Mal Olive said within 10 minutes of his post about the theft on Facebook last Tuesday afternoon, a member of the public called police and helped them find the missing jumpers.

“It was a great outcome to a bad day,” he said.

“We have just bought $5000 worth of security cameras to install at the club ... and the Shire is fixing the door for us.

“It felt like a bit of a kick in the guts on the same week we are trying to give back to the community with our pink day fundraiser.”

Port Hedland police Sergeant Jayd Morawski said he was confident the offenders would be identified using the forensic evidence left behind at the crime scene.

“I would suggest to the offenders it won’t be long before we know who are they are,” he said.

“People need to be aware we don’t tolerate burglary, especially one targeting a local organisation like the footy club who do a lot to help out around the community.

“We will do everything we can to locate these offenders ... and they will have to face the consequences in court.”